Michelle Obama has not long finished her Presidential tour of Europe. Early indications would suggest it has been a great success. She has visited a broad range of people from the Queen to students in a tough inner city school. When she visited Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington in 2009 Michelle inspired the students with strong motiviational messages. “We are counting on every single one of you to be the best that you can be,” she told the students. This message was backed up when she said, “I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity. You too can control your own destiny, please remember that. Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”

Returning to the school two years later Michelle’s message was one on risk taking. She encouraged the students to be confident and to take risks. However how often do we take risks? Or are we becoming a risk averse society? Answer the following questions to help establish our risk taking credentials:-